TCSC Technology/Facilities Committee

Committee discussed the 60% drawing budget.  We are over approximately $800,000 from where we want to be.  The committee discussed eliminating the new bleachers for the main gym which would save $320,000.  Also looking to eliminate renovations for professional development/esports areas-I think we can do some updates internally to these area and accomplish a similar goal-$324,000.  We are planning to recommend a scale back to THS entrance that will hopefully cut approximately $100,000.   Hopefully as we move through the drawing process some additional economies may be found.  We are also looking into sponsorships/fundraising that will hopefully make up some dollars.  

With additional burdens in the Education Fund due to the unfunded mandate of Free Curricular Materials.  We need to look at ways to decrease spending.  One area is moving from Apple MacBooks to Chromebooks.  We set up our MacBook purchases on a four year lease with payments of $40,000-$50,000 annually.   We charged the $75.00 technology fee as part of our fee structure that would pay for approximately $300 of the cost of the device.  At the end of the lease, Apple will buy back devices for approximately $200-$250-(we also allow students to purchase the device after four years for $250).  Doing the math, we lose approximately $200-$300 per device after trade in and fees.  The cost of a Chromebook is $200.00 versus the $800 for MacBooks.  At the end of a four year period, the Chromebook is literacy a paperweight.  We would offer to sell the device to the student for a $1.00 and then send the rest to our recycler.  

For now, Mr. Gingerich is investigating Chromebooks and has purchased four different models and brands to trial.  We plan to have him present some additional information in future meetings.